4/18/2025

THINKING
TOOLKIT

1. THINKING
2. THINKING TECHNIQUES
3. POSITIVE THINKING
4. POSITIVE THINKING TECHNIQUES
CONTENT 5. CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND
PERFORMANCE: ROLE OF THINKING

• WHAT IS THINKING?

1.
THINKING

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Thinking
The process of representing and
manipulating information in our
mind.
1.
THINKING

INFORMATION INFORMATION
REPRESENTA MANIPULATIO
TION N
1. Mental images Problem solving
THINKING Words D e c i s i o n
making
Concepts
C r e a t i v e
activities
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MENTAL IMAGES
§ A mental picture or representation of an object or event.
§ Mental pictures consist of personal experiences of objects,
persons or situations, heard and felt.
§ Thes e mental pict ures symbo liz e act ual objects ,
experiences and activities.
§ In thinking, we usually manipulate the images rather than
the actual objects, experiences or activities.
§ A mental image is not an actual or ph otograp hic
representation.
§ Rather, it is a reconstruction of the object or event from
memory.

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MENTAL IMAGES

Are the objects in each pair the same or different?

Words or language is the most efficient and developed

vehicle used for carrying out the process of thinking.
W h en a p e r s o n r e a ds , w r i t e s o r h e a r s w o r ds o r
WORDS sentences or observes gesture in any language, one is
stimulated to think.
Thus reading and writing of documents and literature also
help in stimulating and promoting the thinking process.

LANGUAGE

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A concept is a general idea that stands for a general

class and represents the common characteristics of all
objects or events of this general class.
Concepts are mental categories we use for grouping
CONCEPT objects, events, and ideas.
Concept, as a tool, economize the efforts in thinking.
Concepts also help us respond more quickly to events by
reducing the need for new learn in g ea ch time we
encounter a familiar object or event.

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CONCEPTS – MENTAL CATEGORIES

Apple Avocado

Pumpkin Olive

What makes a fruit a fruit?

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PROBLEM SOLVING

Problem solving is a cognitive process in which

we employ mental strategies to solve problems.
Mental/Cognitive strategies are sets of mental processes that are
consciously implemented to regulate thought processes and content in
order to achieve goals or solve problem.

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PROBLEM SOLVING

Emily and Sophia played six games of chess,

and each of them won four.
There were no ties.
How is that possible?

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DECISION MAKING

“What should I wear today?”

“What should I have for dinner?”
“What should I major in?”
“Should I date that person?
“Should I get married?”
“Should I join that company?”

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DECISION MAKING
Decision making is a form of problem solving in
which we must select a course of action from
among the available alternatives.

We should only make Informed decisions.

Transparency

Information asymmetry

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CREATIVITY

Creativity is a form of thinking that:

§ leads to original, practical, and meaningful

solutions to problems

§ generates new ideas or artistic expressions.

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CREATIVITY

How can we be more creative?

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CREATIVITY

How can we be more creative?

§ Question the assumptions and authorities.

§ Never take anything for granted.

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DEVELOPMENT OF THINKING
Cognitive development

1. Cognitive development is the process

by which each of us becomes an
THINKING intelligent person, acquiring
intelligence and increasingly advanced
thought and problem-solving ability
from infancy to adulthood.

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DEVELOPMENT OF THINKING
Cognitive development

1.
THINKING

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DEVELOPMENT OF THINKING
Cognitive development
SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Rate yourself on the following scale
1. from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

THINKING 1 2 3 4 5 There are right and wrong answers.

A ut hor iti es ar e t hose who have the rig ht
answers.
1 2 3 4 5 There are no right or wrong answers.
Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion.
1 2 3 4 5 Even though the world is uncertain,
we need to make decisions on what is right or
wrong. 26

DEVELOPMENT OF
THINKING
Cognitive development
1.
Commitment
THINKING
Relativism

Dualism

Thinking more critically

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DEVELOPMENT OF
THINKING
Cognitive development

1.
THINKING

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DEVELOPMENT OF
THINKING
Cognitive development
Recommended books to help you think more critically

§ Thiện, ác và smartphone - TS Đặng Hoàng Giang

§ Bức xúc không làm ta vô can - TS Đặng Hoàng Giang

1. § Đại Dương Đen – TS Đặng Hoàng Giang

THINKING § Tư duy nhanh và chậm – Thinking, fast and slow – Daniel

Kahneman

§ Phi lý trí – Predictably irrational – Dan Ariely

Recommended books to help you understand your up-

bringing

§ Tìm mình trong thế giới hậu tuổi thơ - TS Đặng Hoàng Giang

If you are not really keen on reading, consider audible books.

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§ App to read books for you: FONOS

1. WHY IS IT THAT IMPORTANT

TO BE A GOOD THINKER?
THINKING

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Cognition

1. Affection

THINKING BEHAVIOUR

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL
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THEORY (CBT)

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Actions Thoughts

3.Behaviour 1.Thinking

1.
THINKING
2.Feelings

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THEORY Emotions

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Cognition
My skills development class is interesting.
Affection
1. I like attending my skills development class.

THINKING Behaviour
I am going to get to class early with a smile
on my face.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL
THEORY
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1.
THINKING

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THEORY 34

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1. DON’T LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE

SAY
THINKING
WATCH WHAT THEY DO

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL
THEORY
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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
The Six Step Problem Solving Model provides a shared, collaborative,
and systematic approach to problem solving.

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Advantages of Six-Step Problem Solving
§ It ensures consistency, as everyone understands
the approach to be used.
§ B y u s i n g d a t a , i t h e l p s e l i m i n a t e b i as an d

1. preconceptions, leading to greater objectivity.

§ It helps to remove divisions and encourages

THINKING collaborative working.

§ It stops problem solving groups diverging into
different problems.
§ It also hel ps p roblem solvi ng groups reach
consensus.
§ It eliminates the confusion caused when people
use different problem solving techniques on the
same issue.
§ It makes the decision making process easier.
§ It provides a justifiable solution. 38

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 1 - Define the Problem

1.
THINKING
At this stage groups will use techniques such as:
• Brainstorming
• Interviewing
• Questionnaires
As this step continues, the PS group will constantly revise
the definition of the problem.
A s more symptoms are found, it clarifies what the real
problem is. 39

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 1 - Define the Problem

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 1 - Define the Problem

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
Fishbone diagram

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
Fishbone diagram
Example: Waiting time problem in NHS

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
Pareto analysis

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
Affinity diagram
An affinity diagram is a visual tool that helps you organiz e
information from a brainstorming session.
You’ll sort ideas into different groups or categories based on
their relationships to one another.
1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 2: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
5 Whys method

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 3: Develop Alternative Solution

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 4: Select a Solution

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 5: Implement the Solution

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Step 6: Evaluate the Outcome

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

The Six Step Problem Solving Model

1.
THINKING

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PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

McKinsey Seven-step Problem Solving Model

1.
THINKING

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CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and
rationally, understanding the logical connection
between ideas.
2. THINKING Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation
of an issue in order to form a judgment.
TECHNIQUES Critical thinking is just deliberately and systematically
processing information so that you can make better
decisions and generally understand things better.

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CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking is a collection of skills we use every
day that are necessary for our full intellectual and
personal development.
2. THINKING Critical thinking provides us with the tools to identify
and resolve issues in our lives.
TECHNIQUES

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CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking doesn’t describe thinking that is severe,
negative, or harsh; instead, critical thinking refers to
thinking that uses reason to decide what to do and
2. THINKING what to believe.
Since arguments provide reasons that support their
TECHNIQUES claims, the fundamental critical thinking skills are
the recognition, analysis, evaluation, and construction
of arguments.

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CRITICAL THINKING
How to think more critically
3 components of critical thinking

2. THINKING Question
your
Reason
through logic
Diversify
your thinking
TECHNIQUES assumptions

Appropriate environment

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CRITICAL THINKING
How to practice critical thinking skills

Be curious and ask questions

2. THINKING
TECHNIQUES

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CRITICAL THINKING
What is the most significa nt difference between
studying in high school and studying in university?

2. THINKING
TECHNIQUES

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CRITICAL THINKING
What is the most significa nt difference between
studying in high school and studying in university?
There are less unified understandings but a lot of
2. THINKING hot debates.

TECHNIQUES

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SOME COMMONLY USED FALLACY IN

ARGUMENTS & DEBATES
1. Ad Hominem (Attack on the Person)
Example: "You can't trust Jane's argument on climate change; she's not a scientist—she's just
a teacher."
2. Straw Man Fallacy
Example: "My opponent wants to reduce military spending. Clearly, he thinks we should leave
our country vulnerable to attacks."
3. Slippery Slope Fallacy
Example: "If we allow students to redo tests, soon they will want to retake entire courses, and
ultimately, they’ll expect to graduate without doing any work."
4. False Dilemma (Either/Or Fallacy)
Example: "You either support our new policy, or you don't care about the community."
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SOME COMMONLY USED FALLACY IN

ARGUMENTS & DEBATES
5. Bandwagon Fallacy
Example: "Everyone I know is investing in cryptocurrency; therefore, it must be a wise
investment."
6. Appeal to Authority
Example: "Dr. Smith, a well-known celebrity, supports this brand of vitamins, so they must be
effective."
7. Red Herring Fallacy
Example: "Why are we talking about healthcare reform when there are so many issues with the
education system that we need to address?"
8. Post Hoc (False Cause) Fallacy
Example: "Ever since the new mayor took office, crime rates have gone up. The mayor must be
the cause of this increase." 62

SOME COMMONLY USED FALLACY IN

ARGUMENTS & DEBATES
9. Appeal to Emotion (Pathos)
Example: "If we don't pass this law to protect animals, think about all the innocent creatures
that will suffer."
10. Hasty Generalization
Example: "My grandfather smoked his entire life and lived until 97. Therefore, smoking can’t be
that dangerous."
11. Circular Reasoning
Example: "The law is just because it is the law."
12. False Equivalence
Example: "Taxing the wealthy is just as bad as stealing from them."
13. Appeal to Tradition
Example: "We should continue to use this teaching method because it has always been done
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that way."

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